Editor’s Choice
- It has very useful insights about making wise decisions
- Thought-provoking and convicting
- Worth reading for teens who feel lost in their lives
Best Overall
- Includes links to 3-minute video introductions
- Each chapter has a 30- to 40-minute audio Bible study message
- Targets readers of any age
Budget-Friendly
- A good resource for counseling and mentoring teens
- Talks about self-improvement
- This book is scripturally backed and theologically sound
If you are in a hurry and just want to find out the best Christian Books for Teens, then I’d recommend The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren as the best one.
The teen years are one of the most important stages in a person’s life.
They are a training ground.
What teenagers watch, listen to, and read will influence their growth from adolescence to adulthood.
That is why it is important to start them early and feed them with things that will inspire them.
Reading books can improve teens’ cognitive intelligence and allow them to discover things about themselves that they haven’t known.
Yet most teens nowadays no longer see the fun of reading books.
But as the famous Professor and Author Frank Serafini said,
There is no such thing as a child who hates to read; only children have not found the right book.
This is why it is crucial to start feeding teenagers’ minds with the right books.
Training them to read Christian books that inspire them and teach biblical principles is important.
Don’t get me wrong, though.
While Christian books are great resources for teens, they should not replace the Bible as the primary source of guidance.
But we can’t deny that Christian books can still help teens gain insights into how to live better lives.
Here are the Best Christian Books for Teens we’ll be reviewing:
Teenage Life
People often say that being a teenager is the most complicated chapter in life.
This is the phase where teens grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.
During this time, teens are curious about the different activities of the world and become more exposed to them.
Most Common Teenage Problems
Most teens wish they could just escape this chapter in their life.
They wish they could have it all figured out sooner.
They go through hormonal changes, identity crises, social influences, peer and parental pressures, and the list goes on.
Here are the common problems every teen is going through:
Bullying.
According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, one out of every five students is being bullied.
The trauma from the bullies they have faced is usually brought up until adulthood.
This makes teens anti-social. It also causes their self-esteem to drop.
Pressure.
Teenagers are often pressured to do things they don’t always do just to fit in with others’ standards or be noticed.
This pressure usually comes from parents, teachers, or even friends.
Too much pressure from others causes teens anxiety as they try to do everything to prove themselves.
Addiction.
Too much pressure to conform sometimes leads to addiction.
The most common kinds of addiction are Alcohol and Drugs.
Addiction is caused by too much desire to impress others.
This desire leads teens to try new things and, in the long run, be addicted to them.
Other kinds of addiction are gambling, food, the internet, and even sexual addiction.
Depression.
All the problems mentioned above can lead to teens’ depression.
It is usually the result when teens already feel too hopeless.
They feel like they can no longer escape their addiction, or they can’t make their parents proud.
Too much failure can also lead to depression.
If not given attention, this might lead to self-harm.
What Teenagers Need
Teenagers need safety, proper food and nutrition, shelter, and clothing.
However, they also need other important things as they transition to adulthood.
Family
Teenagers don’t just need a house but also a home.
Spending quality time together while eating, watching television, and even going out is important.
Many families also use mealtime to talk together.
This is when teens can open up to their parents about their problems.
Because of the competing demands from school, sometimes it’s hard to find an hour when you can all be together.
However, doing it regularly will help teens build trust with their parents.
Guidance
It is important to surround teens with the right friends and older people who can guide them, whether their teacher, a family relative, or a mentor.
In addition to their parents, children must have a positive relationship with an adult who can inspire and motivate them.
A reassuring word from a coach, an uncle, or a friend can boost teens’ confidence.
They must have someone who believes in them.
Presence of God
Many teenagers believe they are failures, making them feel lost and hopeless.
Teenagers need God’s presence, as only He can satisfy all their needs.
Only God can truly restore broken hearts and bring joy.
Intimacy with God can also bring peace and help teens redirect their focus.
Having God’s presence is more than being moved emotionally; it means healing.
It means transformation.
The Importance of Reading Christian Books for Teens
Christian books are important to every teenager’s personal and spiritual growth.
Apart from this, there are still many advantages to reading Christian books for teens.
Knowing God
Reading Christian books gives teens the time to know God and build a close relationship with Him.
As mentioned earlier, teens need God’s presence in their lives.
Starting early in reading Christian books helps teens know God’s Word and understand more of Him.
As they draw closer to God, His presence manifests in their lives.
Growth
Growth is important not just physically but also interpersonal.
Reading Christian books allows teens to grow.
They will learn principles that will make them more mature.
They will learn to honor and respect other people, know what is right and wrong, and even lead others.
When teens identify their areas of weakness, they can look for a Christian Book that will help them turn these weaknesses into strengths.
Making Wise Decisions
Teenage years can be confusing.
Most teens are not sure what they want to do in life.
But Christian books can be a guide to making decisions in their lives.
Aside from the Bible, the main source of wisdom, we have clean books that apply biblical principles.
Diving into these good books prepares teens to face even bigger life challenges.
It allows them to make wise decisions before entering adulthood.
Teaching Teens to Read Christian Books
With all the schoolwork, the temptation to play games or surf the internet, and common laziness among teens, it is somehow hard for them to squeeze reading Christian books into their schedules.
Most teens also choose to read Young Adult Novels or Fantasy Novels.
But teaching your teen to read Christian books is not impossible.
Here’s how you can do this:
Choose the best clean books to read.
Decide on what Christian books your teens should read.
Something that dwells on the topic that catches their attention.
It should also match the problem they are currently facing.
It is also important to read a simple review of the Christian books you have chosen to view the book’s topic.
Plan a schedule.
If your teen is already fond of reading, simply add a Christian Book to their list.
But if your teen is not a reader, create a schedule within the day where your teen can read Christian books.
This can be before study time or mealtime.
Make it a habit.
Once you’ve chosen the right books and have planned a schedule, stick to it.
Check on your teens every once in a while.
It is also important to discuss the book with them.
Have your teens share the book’s content and what they have learned.
Choosing the best book is not only based on ratings and reviews online.
One factor that makes a good Christian book is that it is easy to understand for teens.
Another factor to consider is the topic that the book focuses on.
Many clean books are good for teens; however, not all speak about teens’ problems.
Some topics might also be too complex for teens.
Here are the five best Christian Books your teens should read and why:
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
This New York Times #1 bestselling book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” is one of the most famous Christian books of all time.
It has been translated into over 50 languages and sold more than 35 million copies.
In this 40-day spiritual guide, writer Rick Warren aims to help readers answer the question, “What on earth am I here for?”
In this book, Warren explains the purpose of life and how God can help fulfill it.
Each chapter is only a few pages long and is designed to be read daily.
Each chapter has a Bible verse to memorize, a point to ponder, and a question to consider.
I recommend this book for teens who want to deepen their relationship with God and fulfill their purpose on Earth.
Pros:
- Includes links to 3-minute video introductions
- Each chapter has a 30- to 40-minute audio Bible study message
- Targets readers of any age
- It can easily fit into teens’ busy schedules as it consumes little reading time per day
- Easy to understand for teens
Cons:
- Targets more Christian readers
- Small print
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
In this book, famous theologian and pastor John Piper describes how many teens waste their years living without a passion for God.
He then pleads for every teen to avoid the dangers of a wasted life.
Piper challenges readers to live lives pleasing to God and make Him the bigger person in their lives.
The book speaks about the joy of living for God.
I recommend this book to teens as it reminds them to make God the center of their lives and live all out for Him.
Piper also mentions the challenges and suffering that the world may bring when they identify themselves with God, but he encourages everyone to keep on living for Him.
If your teen struggles to understand their purpose, this book can help them through knowing God.
This book also serves as a warning to every teenager not to waste their life.
Pros:
- It has very useful insights about making wise decisions
- Thought-provoking and convicting
- Worth reading for teens who feel lost in their lives
Cons:
- The Kindle edition has a lot of typographical errors and missing chapters
The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges
Being a Christian is more than having a relationship with Christ.
It’s also about growing and becoming more like Him.
In this book, Bridges thoroughly explains what it means to be a believer.
He explains how the same gospel that brings us to faith in Christ also disciplines us in Christ.
Reading this book reminds teens that the gospel is the key to overcoming challenges. God’s grace will sustain them to the end; they need it daily.
The Bible said in 2 Peter 3:18 that we should grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
This book teaches what it means to grow in grace and how to do it.
I highly recommend this book to teens who want to deepen their faith through God’s guidance.
Pros:
- A good resource for counseling and mentoring teens
- Talks about self-improvement
- This book is scripturally backed and theologically sound
Cons:
- It can be a heavy read for a complex topic
- Targets Christian teens only
God at Work by Gene Veith
When we speak of vocation, we often think about work or a profession.
For teens, vocation can be their school or household chores.
However, in this book, author Gene Veith focuses on Christian Vocation.
He defines it as “a rich body of biblical teaching about work, family, society, and the Christian life.”
In this book, Veith explains how our work every day can be an act of worship to God.
We have many vocations, all of which are opportunities to serve God.
I recommend that teens read this book to be reminded that God is with them in everything they do and that everything they do, whether in school or at home, can glorify God.
But this book doesn’t only serve as a reminder for teens.
It is also a how-to guide to being transformed for Christ.
It is rich with quotes from famous church leaders like Martin Luther and draws from biblical principles.
It provides a foundation for teens so they can prepare for their future.
Pros:
- Uplifting and encouraging for teens
- Clear and easy to understand
Cons:
- Some points are repetitive throughout the book
Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris
Twins Alex and Brett Harris had no idea their book would change many lives.
Do Hard Things became a popular book for teens, as teens also write it.
They were only eighteen when they co-authored this book.
But it is popular not just because of that but also because of the empowering message it delivers.
The book discusses pursuing and accomplishing great things for God.
It is one of the best Christian books for teens to help them redefine the true purpose of adolescence.
Many youths nowadays believe in the saying “You Only Live Once,” which means that in a worldly view, you should do whatever makes you happy while you’re young.
However, reading this book will help teens understand that there is more to life than just being happy.
Do Hard Things serves as a wake-up call for teens, challenging them to use their teenage years to make a difference.
Pros:
- Convicting, enthusiastic, and encouraging for teens
- Targets both Christian and non-Christian teens
Cons:
- Too simple and can be boring for non-reading teens
Conclusion
The best way to learn is to start young.
We should teach our teens to read the Bible and the best Christian books so they can be ready to face the battles of their lives.
The best Christian books for teens are those that lead them to Christ.
While teens can read many good Christian books, it is important for them to choose one that reminds them of their purpose in life.
I highly recommend that teens read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
This book is so simple yet very relevant.
It can be read over and over again yet still serve its purpose.
This book can radically change a teen’s life, a life that is centered on fulfilling God’s purpose.
